Music executive and record producer Clive Davis has passed away at 94, his family have confirmed.

Davis founded Arista Records, and helped to shape the music careers of Whitney Houston, Bruce Springsteen, Aretha Franklin, Christina Aguilera, and many others. He had recently been in hospital due to respiratory problems and was recovering at his home in Manhattan, New York, where he passed away surrounded by loved ones.

In a statement shared by his family (via the BBC), they say, “To the world, our father was the iconic music legend whose vision, instincts, and relentless pursuit of excellence shaped the soundtrack of countless lives. He discovered, mentored, and championed the greatest artists in modern music history, leaving an indelible mark on culture that will endure for generations.”

They add, “To his family, Clive was Dad and Granddaddy, the steady presence at the centre of our lives, the source of wisdom, strength, encouragement, and unconditional love.”

Born in Brooklyn in 1932, Davis spent seven decades working in music, and was active within the industry until his death. Davis received a full scholarship to study at Harvard Law. He had no prior knowledge of the music industry when he joined Columbia Records at the age of 28, and took night classes to learn about copyright law, contracts and litigation.

Davis was promoted to vice-president of the record label in 1965 and eventually became president. He signed artists such as Santana, Aerosmith, Pink Floyd and more. He was played by Stanley Tucci in the Whitney Houston biopic, I Wanna Dance With Somebody, and also worked as one of its producers. He earned five Grammy Awards across his career, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a non-performer in 2000.

A number of musicians and industry figures who worked with Davis throughout his long career have paid tribute online. Springsteen writes on his website, “Over here on E Street, we mourn the death of the great record man and close friend Clive Davis. At 22 years old, he changed my life when he signed me to Columbia Records. He treated me with the same respect and kindness as a 22-year-old nobody as he did after all my success. A great man. All our prayers and love.”

View this post on Instagram

Santana states, (via Variety), “Clive Davis was a visionary. He could hear the intangible before anyone else could see it. He believed in Santana from the beginning, and years later he believed in us again. That kind of faith is a beautiful blessing, and I will always be grateful.

“Clive understood that music is more than entertainment. Music is a healing force. It brings people together beyond fear, beyond separation, beyond borders. He dedicated his life to championing artists and helping them share their gifts with the world… I thank Clive for his friendship, his trust, and his belief in Santana.”

Billy Joel states, “Clive Davis convinced me to sign with Columbia Records many years ago. He recognised the talent of great musicians and understood the power of contemporary music.

“I will always be grateful to Clive for his recognition of the critical importance of songwriting. He undoubtedly enhanced the stature of the music industry during his tenure as president of Columbia Records.”

The post Tributes pour in for Clive Davis, the music executive behind Whitney Houston, Bruce Springsteen and others, after he dies at 94 appeared first on MusicTech.